Luke Burton

@biblioluke.bsky.social

Director, Libraries at Arts Council England. Data, emerging tech, literacies, reading for pleasure and the joy of libraries. ‘Libraries gave us power.’ Personal views only.

"The key to engaging a broader range of families lies in building trust and collaborating with communities to understand their needs and aspirations." We often talk of libraries as open and accessible spaces but it is helpful to be reminded that this isn't always the case and there is work to do.

Many families may not feel welcome at library storytimes – here’s how to ensure everyone benefits from them

Library reading sessions tend to be attended by families who already engage with books at home

theconversation.com

More insightful, interesting and frankly just cool work being done by @librarieshacked.bsky.social with Lancashire County Council and their public libraries data

Libraries Hacked@librarieshacked.bsky.social · 2y ago

Released today on Library Storytelling - The membership of Lancashire Libraries. www.librarystorytelling.net/the-membersh... Lancashire were brilliant and open to exploring types of library usage, the deprivation levels alongside % population of membership, as well as the urban/rural divide.

A map of a part of Lancashire with areas shaded to show darker colours representing greater deprivation

‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’, Maeshowe Visitor Centre from Friday 7 March to Sunday 25 May 2025. Entry to the exhibition is free and no booking is required. In case you needed any other excuses to visit Edinburgh and join the @natlibscot.bsky.social celebrations!

History of Scotland’s Libraries Explored in New Exhibition

Maeshowe Visitor Centre is today (Friday 7 March 2025) welcoming a brand-new exhibition celebrating Scotland’s libraries.

historicenvironment.scot

It’s party time at the wonderful Swiss Cottage Library celebrating the library’s 60th birthday on World Book Day! What a beautiful children’s library. Come and see it and the brilliant ‘Swiss at Sixty’ exhibition detailing the history of the library.

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Always helpful to have good quality, representative and insightful data, this time, to highlight the important role of libraries in digital access, equity and skills. Take a look at @lorensbergs.bsky.social Public Libraries 2024 survey results 👇

Public Libraries 2024: Netloan Survey Results - Lorensbergs

The latest results from the annual Netloan public library survey illustrate the importance of good access and support in how services are provided. The

lorensbergs.co.uk

“Over that time councils also made deep cuts to discretionary services – such as libraries and road maintenance.” Still a lot of work to do get the message out there. Libraries are not discretionary. They are statutory critical infrastructure with empathetic knowledgeable staff!

Almost half of England’s councils ‘could face bankruptcy over £4.6bn deficit’

Damning National Audit Office report says action is needed to address deficit accumulated under Tory-era policy

theguardian.com

**Libraries Funding!** Great to see another round of LIF from arts council - capital funding for library buildings and tech. Has made some amazing library projects possible in the past so expecting some more great things from this round!

Luke Burton@biblioluke.bsky.social · 2y ago

📢📢Take a look libraries people in England. A fourth round of the Libraries Improvement Fund worth £5.5 million is heading your way. It will enable public library services across England to upgrade buildings and technology. 👇👇

📢📢Take a look libraries people in England. A fourth round of the Libraries Improvement Fund worth £5.5 million is heading your way. It will enable public library services across England to upgrade buildings and technology. 👇👇

Major investment to boost growth and cement Britain’s place as cultural powerhouse

Over £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in major boost for growth

gov.uk

"Staff working in galleries, libraries, archives and museums around the UK will soon be able to ask The National Archives for help funding community-led research projects, following a generous £1 million award by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)."

The National Archives to establish new hub for community-led research in the cultural heritage sector - The National Archives

Staff working in galleries, libraries, archives and museums around the UK will soon be able to ask The National Archives for help funding community-led research projects, following a generous £1 milli...

nationalarchives.gov.uk